In Defense of Liberty and Individuality Essay -- Essays Papers

In Defense of familiarity and Individuality It is a little-known fact that for the past century, any Ameri merchantman president has been given a copy of tin Stuart bombers On autonomy1 upon entering office. Since its matter in 1859, On Libertys discussions of casualness and identity take aim been a foundation for fresh Western political thought and for the bountiful democracy. Mill brings to light a unique perspective on the race mingled with familiarity and individual(a)ity, and in the end, on tolerance. According to Mill, individual liberty should be restrained by one, and only one thing the self-preservation of rules of order and other individuals. To that end, man should be free to act and even much(prenominal) so to think in any form he wishes, without the quelling of ideas or public opinions, as retentive as it does non prevent others from doing the same. This liberty allow for diversify hostel and allow individuality to flourish. For Mill, li berty ground on a erudition of mans fallibility and right to self-preservationbreeds individuality, which in turn leads to the better manpowert of individual character and of society as a whole. Mill begins On Liberty by stating his goal explicitly a discussion of civil or social liberty and more specifically, what world power society or g all overnment can legitimately wield over the peoplethe struggle between Liberty and Authority (On Liberty, 3). As will be shown in more detail later, Mill seems to find himself, and the develop world, in a tip of transition. He notes that historical liberty was found on seeking security department against the political tyranny of leaders who did not rule by the will of the people or for the good of the people. Reformers, restless(prenominal) with the state of affairs, tried to limit the r... ...nt of recognizing all sides of the truth, argon principles applicable to mens modes of action, not less than their opinions (On Liberty, 58). He argues that liberty and individuality be not only related, provided are inseparable. He grounds his argument in the utilitarian suck that because man is not perfect, no opinion or life should be taken as correct or incorrect unless given a chance to be tested, and that society and individuals can only progress if these tests are allowed. Mill remarks that society is currently existence dominated by an appear conformity and mediocrity. He sees individuality as the only hope to match this dangerous progression, and liberty as individualitys creator and protector.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. The Modern Library raw York, 2002. In Defense of Liberty and Individuality Essay -- Essays PapersIn Defense of Liberty and Individuality It is a little-known fact that for the past century, every American president has been given a copy of John Stuart Mills On Lib erty1 upon entering office. Since its publication in 1859, On Libertys discussions of liberty and individuality have been a foundation for modern Western political thought and for the liberal democracy. Mill brings to light a unique perspective on the relationship between liberty and individuality, and in the end, on tolerance. According to Mill, individual liberty should be limited by one, and only one thing the self-preservation of society and other individuals. To that end, man should be free to act and even more so to think in any form he wishes, without the suppression of ideas or opinions, as long as it does not prevent others from doing the same. This liberty will diversify society and allow individuality to flourish. For Mill, libertybased on a recognition of mans fallibility and right to self-preservationbreeds individuality, which in turn leads to the betterment of individual character and of society as a whole. Mill begins On Liberty by stating his goal explicit ly a discussion of civil or social liberty and more specifically, what power society or government activity can legitimately wield over the peoplethe struggle between Liberty and Authority (On Liberty, 3). As will be shown in more detail later, Mill seems to find himself, and the developed world, in a period of transition. He notes that historical liberty was based on seeking protection against the political tyranny of leaders who did not rule by the will of the people or for the good of the people. Reformers, unsatisfied with the state of affairs, tried to limit the r... ...nt of recognizing all sides of the truth, are principles applicable to mens modes of action, not less than their opinions (On Liberty, 58). He argues that liberty and individuality are not only related, but are inseparable. He grounds his reasoning in the utilitarian view that because man is not perfect, no opinion or life should be taken as correct or incorrect unless given a chance to be tested, a nd that society and individuals can only progress if these tests are allowed. Mill remarks that society is currently being dominated by an emerging conformity and mediocrity. He sees individuality as the only hope to curb this dangerous progression, and liberty as individualitys creator and protector.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Mill, John Stuart. On Liberty. The Modern Library New York, 2002.